Community representatives waved Canada 150 flags as they received news of a $133,200 federal funding boost for Benson Park, downtown Picton.

“It’s parks like this that make our community,” said Bay of Quinte MP Neil Ellis, Wednesday as he officially delivered the 150 Canadian Infrastructure Program funds. “Projects like this build communities. “It’s hard to get infrastructure fixed, especially for parks and trails when communities have other issues that need to be done.”

The ‘Confederation Walkway’ will link the new King Street parking lot through Benson Park, beside new public washrooms and along a repaired accessible pathway to Main Street. The tennis court is also to be refurbished into a multi-sport court.

The grant represents 33 per cent of the estimated $400,000 project costs received from the Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program. The project has been endorsed by community groups with financial committments of $80,000 and the municipal share of $186,800 was approved in the 2017 budget.

“This is the perfect infrastructure project to celebrate Canada 150,” said Mayor Robert Quaiff, noting pleasure it leads to Picton’s newly revitalized Main Street. “Everything is coming to fruition down here and looking great.” He also thanked the community groups involved for their work behind-the-scenes.

Wendy Lane, the County’s Grants, Contracts and Special Projects Co-ordinator, thanked various community groups – including the Kinsmen, Picton Recreation, BIA and Tennis Club – for their support to revitalize the 60-year-old park.

The project will be partially completed by July 1 for Canada’s 150 celebrations, with full completion by March 31, 2018.